Let’s turn the clocks back to the 1800s. Even with all our advances in medicine & technology, some old-school health hacks have stood the test of time—and for good reasons. Here are ten health tips from 200 years ago that are surprisingly still relevant. Who knows? Maybe our ancestors were onto something!
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Taking the Waters
Back in the day, people believed in “taking the waters” at mineral springs, thinking it was the cure-all for everything. Of course, it doesn’t solve everything—but staying hydrated & getting those minerals in our system is important to feeling great. A simple trip to the spa back then is like us drinking from our water bottles today!
Cold Water Plunge
Jumping into a freezing cold pool first thing in the morning sounds quite invigorating—people 200 years ago thought so, too. They believed a cold water plunge would help with their health. Today, science supports the idea that this chilly ritual can reduce muscle soreness & improve your circulation. It’s a cold splash of reality that really helps!
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The Use of Leeches for Bloodletting
Even though using leeches makes our skin crawl, back in the day, they were all the rage for letting out some “bad blood” to treat every illness. These days, you won’t find many doctors prescribing leeches for a fever. But they’re still sometimes used in modern medicine since they can help heal wounds and improve blood circulation in certain surgeries.
Consumption of Apple Cider Vinegar
Long before it became a wellness trend on social media, our ancestors were huge fans of apple cider vinegar—they used it for digestion & sore throats. Today, many of us use it for its benefits, including weight management and better digestion. It’s also great for managing your blood sugar levels.
Walking Barefoot
“Earthing” is when you kick off your shoes and walk around barefoot and it was something people did 200 years ago for health benefits. For example, it improved their posture and reduced foot problems. The idea of connecting with the earth to reduce inflammation and improve sleep is becoming popular once again.
Herbal Remedies
Before pharmacies and over-the-counter meds, people relied on Mother Nature to fix what ailed them. While not all old-timey herbal concoctions would pass today, many herbs they used are still popular natural remedies. For example, ginger for an upset stomach or peppermint for headaches—this botanical wisdom has managed to stick around.
Fresh Air and Ventilation
If there was one thing our 19th-century friends were big on, it was the power of fresh air. With diseases like tuberculosis around, they worked out that good ventilation and spending time outdoors would help them stay healthy. Even today, we understand just how important fresh air is for clearing our minds and keeping our homes free from germs.
Singing for Lung Health
Singing out loud isn’t just a sign of a good song. Our ancestors often gathered to sing for entertainment as much as for its health benefits. Today, research supports that singing can indeed benefit lung function & improve breathing—so the next time you belt out your favorite tune, know you’re doing your body a favor!
Using Honey for Wounds
Long before the days of antibiotic ointments, people used honey to dress wounds. They somehow knew that this sticky substance helped heal & prevent infection. Today, science supports this sweet remedy because we know that honey has antibacterial properties and can encourage healing.
Fasting for Health
Intermittent fasting might seem like a recent trend but the concept of fasting for health benefits has been around for centuries. People would fast as a way to cleanse the body or as part of religious practices. They thought it would improve their vitality—and they were right. Fasting can help with weight management, improve metabolic health & even increase your longevity.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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